Once again, we’ve seen politicians use women’s lives as a bargaining chip for political gain

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
CONTACT:
Alissa Manzoeillo
202.667.5881, ext 219; 202.595.4395 (after hours/cell)
amanzoeillo@prochoice.org

 

Statement from Vicki Saporta, President and CEO of the National Abortion Federation, on the passage of the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR):

 

Tonight, senators had the chance to truly make women’s health a priority by passing Senator Patty Murray’s Women’s Access to Quality Health Care Act, which would have improved women’s access to health care as well as removed the Hyde language from the SGR. However, once again, we’ve seen politicians use women’s lives as a bargaining chip for political gain with the passage of the SGR with the Hyde language.

The Hyde Amendment and related abortion restrictions have a real life impact on women no matter where they appear in legislation. Withholding coverage for abortion care creates profound hardships for millions of women and families, particularly for those who already face significant barriers to receiving high-quality health care. We hear about this devastating impact every day from women calling our Hotline who are struggling to obtain the abortion care they need.

Abortion care restrictions do not belong in any bill, especially one that is intended to advance health and justice priorities. Anti-choice politicians are making it clear that they will continue their efforts to advance abortion restrictions whenever possible, wherever possible, and whatever the harm, but we must not allow it.

I applaud Senator Murray and those who voted in favor of her amendment for understanding that quality health care also needs to be accessible health care.

 

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NAF is the professional association of abortion providers. Our members include private and non-profit clinics, Planned Parenthood affiliates, women’s health centers, physicians’ offices, and hospitals who together care for more than half the women who choose abortion in the U.S. and Canada each year. Our members also include public hospitals and both public and private clinics in Mexico City and private clinics in Colombia.

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